A Tribute to Bob Danzig

Robert J. Danzig, who overcame abandonment and poverty as a toddler in Albany to become one of the city’s pre-eminent business leaders, and then served for more than two decades as president of Hearst Newspapers, died Wednesday in a Cape Cod hospital. He was 85.

In recent years, after his retirement from Hearst, Danzig maintained a busy schedule as a motivational speaker. Even last week, aware of his impending death, he appeared on Facebook Live to recount some of the inspirational stories that were always on his mind.

“Bob Danzig inspired countless people over the years, both within Hearst and in audiences nationwide,” said George R. Hearst III, publisher and CEO of the Times Union. Noting that he now occupies the office that was first Danzig’s, Hearst added, “This was Bob Danzig’s paper. He loved Albany, and he loved the Times Union, first among all the Hearst newspapers.”

“He was a man of great intellect and great heart,” said the Rev. Howard Hubbard, bishop emeritus of the Albany Roman Catholic Diocese. “He never forgot where he came from, and he never failed to reach out to others who were going through a situation as difficult as his had been.”

Danzig became publisher in 1969, promoted at age 37 over more senior colleagues to lead the Times Union and two other newspapers then published locally by Hearst, The Knickerbocker News and the Schenectady Union-Star. He moved to New York City seven years later to lead a nationwide division that at the time of his retirement delivered 10 million newspapers a week, with 6,000 employees. Read More...

Honoring Bob's Life Journey

The Diamond in the Coal Bucket: A Memoir by Bob Danzig

Compelling & Empowering! In his new memoir, The Diamond in the Coal Bucket, Bob Danzig speaks candidly about the experiences that led to his meteoric rise from abused foster child to CEO of Hearst Newspapers, a multi-billion dollar conglomerate. Armed with a strong moral compass, he battled corrupt politicians, resistant union officials, and entrenched business paradigms. Bob went on to become a spellbinding Hall of Fame Speaker, encouraging others to reach higher and create the lives they deserve. His story of personal triumph has inspired readers and audiences nationwide. BUY NOW

Radio Interviews

Attention. Writers. Share. Your. Story.

Would you like to contribute a personal story for Bob's upcoming anthology? We welcome 1-5 page true stories of your journey from a grim or challenging situation to a better place for Bob's new anthology, From the Valley of Challenge to the Victory of Conquest. To date, we've received stories about healing from addiction, illness, facing fears, leaps of faith, job changes, etc. We respect anonymity if you would like to submit a story and remain anonymous. Kindly send submissions to: youareworthwhile@gmail.com

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